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Mama Used To Say…

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Renae with mother (Pamela) and sister (Royce)

One of my old school favorites, Junior’s 1982 hit “Mama Used To Say,” was an ode to a loving mother’s advice – both solicited and unsolicited. Regardless of if we actually “receive” the message at the time of delivery, we’ve got to admit that a mother’s two cents is absolutely priceless.

I connect with my mom almost daily so thinking of just one jewel of wisdom she’s shared over the years was a bit challenging. Our inside joke with her is that she’s always referencing clichés but one bit of advice she shares quite frequently is: “God will never give you more than you can handle.” This timeless and comforting statement is one that I’m sure we’ve all leaned on at some point during life’s most challenging moments.

In Her Shoes sat down with a few of the hottest names in the entertainment, fashion, and beauty business to find out what valuable advice their moms shared to help them blossom into the successful Fly Female Entrepreneurs we know and love.  Here’s what they had to say:

Amel Larrieux: Mother, Singer/Songwriter

“Believe it or not, the best advice my mother gave me was not giving me any at all. I had to figure things out for myself sans my mother’s opinions or personal experiences to influence my choices. She’s only JUST advised me to get serious about yoga, after teaching Hatha for over 20 years to other people!”

Ashunta Sheriff, Celebrity Makeup Artist

“My mother always told me to keep God first in all that you do because if you pray and keep the Creator first, all else will fall into place. You will find this to be so true regardless of your religion or spiritual beliefs because God is colorless and his love is Universal. All words from Ann P. Sheriff.”

Briana Bigham: BET’s Harlem Heights, Founder/B. Marie Handbags


“After a visit to New York in the Fall of 2000, my mother encouraged me to apply to the Fashion Institute of Technology at least once.  If I got in, New York was meant to be. Four months later I received my acceptance letter!”

Karen Tappin Saunderson: Mother, Founder/Karen’s Body Beautiful

“Whatever you’d like to do – be it big or small – you can always take baby steps towards reaching your goals!”

Karen Adds:

This piece of advice encouraged me to launch my first business from a college dorm room. Although my money was small, my dreams were big! My mother’s wisdom has definitely guided me to where I am today.

Alice Smith: Singer/Songwriter

“My mother, Margie Utley, told me recently that just because you’re doing one thing doesn’t mean you can’t do another. You’re making a choice to be in the situation you’re in so you can choose to be in another one, too!”

Alice Adds:

Follow your instincts. Know and trust yourself first.

Amanda Diva: Music Artist, Visual Artist, Poet, Television Personality

“Don’t worry about who didn’t show up to the party. Focus on having fun with those who are there.”

Amanda adds:

Basically, in this life it’s really easy to get distracted with trying to please the haters, foresakers and people who are not supportive so you end up wasting energy. Show love to those who show love to you and appreciate the celebration that is your spirit!

So, what advice has your mother or motherly figure blessed you with that you’re willing to share with In Her Shoes?  We’re all ears…

As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.

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